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Keane waits on Spurs duo

Roy Keane remains hopeful of signing Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul, but is keen for a quick decision from the Tottenham Hotspur duo.

Sunderland have already brought in Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda from Spurs, and have agreed a fee for Malbranque and Kaboul.

Both players have discussed personal terms and Keane is looking for answers from the pair within the next 24 hours.

"I would expect news on the other two Tottenham lads in the next 24 hours - whether they are coming or not," Keane told the Sunderland Echo.

Won't be waiting

"We are very hopeful, but I appreciate that it is a big decision for them.

"I was delighted with the four players I have spoken to from Tottenham; we've managed to get two of them sorted out and we're hoping to do the same with the other two.

"I had a similar situation last summer with David Nugent. I waited five weeks for him, but I won't be waiting for five weeks for anyone this year.

"We've got other targets too and I think there will be plenty of activity over the next four or five weeks.

"I've no problem with players taking their time. But there comes a time where they have to make a decision and I think that time is going to come over the next 24 hours.

"If they come then fantastic, we'll be delighted. But if not, life goes on."

Very innocent

Kaboul is also wanted by Aston Villa and Portsmouth, and Keane finds it 'very strange' that Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has been talking about the French defender.

Keane added: "Other clubs may have made contact, but I know for a fact we are the only club to have agreed fees with Tottenham because they have kept us updated with what is going on.

"So it is very strange to find out that other managers are speaking to these players. As far as I understand it, you only speak to a player when you've agreed a fee with his club and been given permission to speak to him.

"Maybe I'm very innocent, but I also know how the game works, unfortunately."